Planning your monthly budget just got easier, specially when you depend on the same amount every month. For over 70 million Americans, Social Security benefits are a financial support, and knowing exactly when that crucial deposit hits your account is essential. The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) well-orchestrated payment schedule ensures these funds are distributed smoothly each month.
However, a federal holiday is about to shake things up slightly for September. Let’s break down exactly when you can expect your Social Security money, whether you’re a retiree, receive disability benefits, or are enrolled in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
First things first: A late-august Social Security payday
Before we look at September, don’t overlook a key August date. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the SSA will issue payments to Social Security beneficiaries (retirement, survivors, disability) whose birthdays land between the 21st and 31st of any month. If you started receiving benefits after May 1997, this is likely your regular payment date.
Here’s the most critical change to note. Since September 1st is Labor Day, a federal holiday, the SSI payment for September is being advanced to Friday, August 29, 2025.
This advance is a standard procedure to ensure that vulnerable recipients—including low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities—aren’t left waiting for funds during a holiday closure. The catch? This means there will be no SSI payment issued in September itself.
If you’re one of the nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients, plan your September budget accordingly, as you’ll receive two payments in August (the 1st and the 29th) and none in September.
The September Social Security schedule
For regular Social Security payments, the month follows the typical rhythm, with payments going out on three Wednesdays based on your birth date. The average monthly benefit for retired workers is holding steady around $2,000, but your exact amount is as unique as your work history.
- Wednesday, September 3: This payment goes to a combined group: anyone who started receiving benefits before May 1997, and those who receive both Social Security and SSI.
- Wednesday, September 10: If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th of the month, circle this date on your calendar.
- Wednesday, September 17: This is the payday for everyone with birthdays between the 11th and the 20th.
- Wednesday, September 24: The final payment wave of the month covers those with birthdays between the 21st and the 31st.
A quick pro tip from financial advisors: always allow up to three business days for a deposit to clear before reporting a missing payment to the SSA.
A little more money in 2025: Know the COLA
Thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announced last fall, maximum benefit amounts have seen a slight uptick in 2025. This annual adjustment is intended to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
- Social Security Retirement: The maximum benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age is now $3,822 per month. For those with the means to delay claiming until age 70, the maximum can soar to an impressive $5,108.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): The maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an eligible individual and $1,450 for a couple.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): While averages vary, the typical SSDI payment is around $1,620. The maximum benefit for individuals who are blind is significantly higher, at approximately $2,700.
The best way to know your exact amount? Don’t guess. Log in to your secure my Social Security account online. It provides your personalized payment history and precise benefit information straight from the source.